THE statistical odds are stacked against Sale Sharks winning the Guinness Premiership, despite the Stockport-based side finishing the season at the top of the table.

Since the play-offs were introduced in the 2002-03 season, no first-placed team has ever won the trophy.

London Wasps, who finished second for three successive seasons, are the only club to have held the Championship title, having denied previous leaders Leicester, Gloucester and Bath the silverware.

It could all change this season as Wasps, who beat Sharks in the league semi-final last year, could finish outside the top four after being defeated 58-36 by London Irish on Sunday.

That the current holders could be out of contention if they lose against Gloucester on Saturday is, however, little consolation to Sharks' players and coaches, who must battle it out in two extra matches to prove their credentials as champions.

Head coach Kingsley Jones is remaining pragmatic about the controversial system of deciding the Premiership's top club.

He explained: "We've known from day one the structure of the league, you can't argue with it.

"It's an achievement to finish top at the end of the season and maybe there should be some reward for that.

"People don't see the positives - if we get through the semi-final it's a massive day out at Twickenham for the club. We're looking forward to playing in this."

Fans have been less supportive though.

The Sale Sharks' independent supporters club message-board, www.salerugby.co.uk, has received posts from supporters from rival clubs congratulating the 'true champions'.

One Leicester Tigers' fan wrote: "Congratulations - Best team in England this year - shame - it wasn't a league of old and you'd already be crowned as such, the play-offs are killing rugby in the Premiership."

Another supporter, of in-form London Irish, agreed, stating: "You are top of the league and that makes you champions in my book whatever happens in the rip-off championship."